Watch out for common holiday travel scams

People love traveling during the holidays.

It’s likely AAA's 2011 estimate, about 91 million people traveling at least 50 miles during the holidays, will be topped this year.

The Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington is reminding consumers who are traveling to watch out for common scams:

• ATM skimming: When paying at the pump for gasoline, keep an eye out for unusual-looking card readers, false keypads, and suspicious cameras.

• E-mail chain letters: Inboxes are flooded with free or cheap offers for five-star accommodations, airline tickets, or cruise passes, but clicking links may install malware or viruses. Avoid unsolicited too-good-to-be-true offers.

• Front desk calls: Hotel guests receive calls from “the front desk” asking them to verify payment information, but the callers are actually scammers.

• Sketchy cab drivers: Be wary if drivers claim that certain hotels or motels are closed and “suggest” other locations. There may be incentives for drivers to create business for less-than-ethical companies. Check bbb.org to find reliable taxi services.

• Social engineering: Swindlers use social media to obtain personal information about travel plans. Avoid posting specifics that entice thieves to loot temporarily vacant homes. Also, be wary of sudden calls or e-mails regarding flights or vacation packages. Never provide personal information or credit card numbers to unsolicited inquirers.

Best wishes for your holiday travels.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist